Major Solar Development Consented in South Wales

In 2018, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) recognised their contribution to climate change due to the activities undertaken at their numerous treatment plants throughout the country. In a move to address this impact, DCWW embarked on a journey of site appraisals, constraints checks and feasibility assessments to roll out onsite green energy generation stations to meet their high energy demand. Cogeo were on hand to guide DCWW through this process.

After weighing up land availability and environmental constraints, the large wastewater treatment works to the south of Bynea, Llanelli was earmarked for a ground-mounted solar array.

Given the scale of development proposed and proximity to the neighbouring sensitive and valuable National Wetlands Centre, the application was subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) following Screening.

Scoping allowed the team to align the assessments and level of surveys required to address Consultee concerns. As a major development, Cogeo were also able to support DCWW with the required Community Consultation process, engaging with interested parties, local Councillors, and residents to spread information on the proposal and its importance to the site and the environment and Water Authority.

Cogeo supported DCWW throughout the planning process, providing the detailed drawings, Planning Statement, EIA Report, Non-Technical Summary and PAC report. Extensive ecological surveys were completed by Cogeo’s Ecologists, ensuring the solar array would not adversely affect or displace sensitive wildlife, including ground-nesting birds using the wastewater site itself and neighbouring wetlands. Flood risk reporting was also important to provide NRW with the confidence that development would not increase risk or pollute connecting waterways between the site and adjacent designation, accounting for climate change and rising sea levels.

Earlier this month, Carmarthenshire County Council received all required comments from Consultees with no objections following review of the reports submitted. Full planning permission was granted for the development, with the issuing of consent allowing DCWW to progress with the construction of this exciting renewable energy project at one of their busiest assets.